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Tama County Courts News

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Scott James Lewis, 18, of Traer filed a written arraignment and plea of guilty on Jan. 4, 2022, in district court to three counts of harassment in the first degree after previously pleading not guilty to the charges on Nov. 22, 2021. A jury trial had been set for Feb. 14, 2022, but was not needed due to the change in plea. Charges stem from an incident that took place on or near the North Tama County School District grounds on Oct. 20, 2021. According to the criminal complaint, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to North Tama School located at 605 Walnut Street in Traer for a student out of control. The student, Lewis, was yelling and cursing down the hallway of the school and also made a statement that he wanted to kill someone. Lewis was taken into custody. A no contact order was issued that same day ordering Lewis not to be within 200 feet of North Tama County Schools. Lewis waived his right to a delay before sentencing and requested immediate sentencing. Lewis also requested a deferral of judgment. The judgment was deferred on each count and Lewis was sentenced to supervised probation for a period of one year subject to the condition that Lewis commits no further violations of the law, simple misdemeanor traffic offenses excepted. Lewis was also ordered to pay a civil penalty of $855 for each of the three counts. Lewis was also ordered to make victim restitution and pay court costs. The reason given for the deferred judgment were Lewis’ age, employment, family circumstances, prior record, the facts and circumstances of the offense, and the belief that his sentence will provide the greatest benefit to both Lewis and the community. A sentencing no contact order was issued on Jan. 7, 2022, that ordered Lewis not to be within 200 feet of North Tama County Schools. The order extends to Jan. 5, 2027. Lewis was represented by attorney Scott Hunter of the Marshalltown Public Defender’s Office.